Can you buy pantoprazole over the counter?

In this article:

• Can you get pantoprazole over the counter?
• Are there any proton pump inhibitors you can get over the counter?
• Other over-the-counter pantoprazole substitutes

In this article

• Can you get pantoprazole over the counter?
• Are there any proton pump inhibitors you can get over the counter?
• Other over-the-counter pantoprazole substitutes

Pantoprazole is a type of drug called a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) and is often sold under the brand name Protonix. It’s used to treat damage to the esophagus caused by gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and in the treatment of certain conditions where the stomach produces too much acid, like Zollinger-Ellison syndrome. It may also be used to treat stomach inflammation and ulcers.

All PPIs work by blocking an enzyme that releases gastric acid into the stomach, and pantoprazole works this way, too, binding itself to the enzyme and blocking acid secretion for 24 hours. Some PPIs are sold over the counter (OTC), and others require a prescription. 

Can you get pantoprazole over the counter?

Unlike many other PPIs, pantoprazole is available by prescription only—it’s not sold as an OTC medication. It also doesn’t have any OTC versions. “Pantoprazole is manufactured in a stronger dose than many other PPIs sold over-the-counter,” says Joanna Lewis, Pharm.D., founder of The Pharmacist’s Guide. “It is FDA-indicated for conditions that are more chronic, requiring diagnosis and treatment by a healthcare provider.”

Are there any proton pump inhibitors you can get over the counter?

There are several PPIs that are available over the counter, but they are typically lower-strength drugs, according to Raj Singh, MD, primary care physician at HEALOR and medical director at RAREV Medical Spa in Las Vegas. “Higher-strength PPIs require a prescription,” he says.

“Basically, the OTC option is a reduced dose or half the dose of the prescription,” Dr. Singh explains. “For example, OTC Prilosec is 20 milligrams (mg), and we generally would prescribe a 40 milligram dose for a prescription.”

Although OTC PPIs contain a lower dose of an active ingredient, they can be a good choice for someone with mild symptoms or who needs quick relief and can’t wait for an appointment with a healthcare provider. If you’re looking to relieve your symptoms of acid reflux, heartburn, or indigestion with an OTC alternative, you can try:

• Prilosec (omeprazole)
• Nexium (esomeprazole) 
• Prevacid (lansoprazole) 

According to Dr. Lewis, these are all good options for people looking for a similar medication to pantoprazole. They’re all similar in effectiveness, but she says some people prefer one over the others and choose primarily based on price. She also notes that it’s important to consult with a pharmacist or healthcare provider before taking one of these OTC medications with any other prescription drugs you’re on, as there may be interactions.   

Other over-the-counter pantoprazole substitutes

Dr. Singh says anyone experiencing mild to moderate symptoms of acid reflux, heartburn, or indigestion should ideally start with a non-PPI medication first. That’s because non-PPI medications are safer since PPIs have a range of side effects (like diarrhea, constipation, dizziness, and dry mouth). Also, they shouldn’t be used for more than three months without supervision from a healthcare provider because some studies suggest they can cause problems with your kidneys and bones, as well as increase your risk of gastrointestinal infections and nutrient deficiencies. “It’s best to avoid them unless nothing else resolves your symptoms,” Dr. Singh says.

There are different types of non-PPI medications sold over the counter that may help relieve your discomfort. If you’re experiencing mild to moderate symptoms or only infrequent symptoms, Dr. Singh recommends starting with an accessible and affordable option—Tums. Tums is an antacid made with calcium carbonate that neutralizes the acid in your stomach, and it works quickly with few side effects. 

Per Dr. Lewis, you can also try taking a histamine (H2) blocker. These medications also reduce stomach acid and work well with a low risk of side effects. Although they don’t take effect as quickly as antacids, their effects can last for up to 12 hours. Common H2 blockers include Zantac (ranitidine), Pepcid or Pepcid AC (famotidine), and Tagamet (cimetidine). 

“If you’re having frequent episodes of heartburn or indigestion, it may also help to make some lifestyle changes to remedy your symptoms,” Dr. Singh says. He recommends cutting back on smoking, drinking, or anything else you’ve noticed that triggers your symptoms. You can also try eating more fiber, avoiding fried or processed foods, and taking probiotics.

Dr. Lewis says if you try treating your symptoms with OTC medications but don’t feel improvement after two weeks, it’s time to talk to your healthcare provider. And as always, it’s important to use OTC drugs according to the package instructions. Just because a medication doesn’t require a prescription doesn’t mean it can’t cause side effects or interact with other drugs you’re taking. If you’re on any other prescription medications, you should always talk to your healthcare provider before taking an OTC drug.